I am of a generation that appreciates the many technological advances we enjoy today. However, that appreciation is tempered by a healthy skepticism about technology's impact on society. While it has brought remarkable benefits, it has also has amplified extreme viewpoints and misinformation, contributed to social isolation, and is driving profound changes in employment, economic opportunities, and even global affairs. For the record, I utilize old school AI when writing or s

Thoughts on the Councillor debate last night: What stood out to me during the debate was that some incumbent candidates appeared to believe that the way things are today is good enough. Comments such as “we’re not going to grow fast,” and rationalizations for years of underinvestment in infrastructure because other cities have made similar mistakes, were revealing. The moderators ran out of time before I could address those remarks, but they should not go unanswered. This min

The Chris Hadfield Airport should be one of the crown jewels in Sarnia’s infrastructure portfolio. Instead, it has spent years in a kind of operational limbo: underused, under‑imagined, and performing far below its true potential. A long‑overdue change in governance is finally underway. The creation of a Municipal Service Corporation, led by a dedicated board of directors, promises a more transparent, accountable, and professionally focused oversight structure. This shift i

There are moments, especially when someone steps into a political campaign for the first time, when the neophyte candidate begins to question the very decision to enter such a demanding and accountable arena. In my case, countless hours spent building a campaign website, distributing signs, attending events, engaging with residents, and managing everything else that comes with a run for office quickly take over one’s life. The usual routines and responsibilities inevitably ge

Chris Oram for Sarnia City Council It’s time to move forward. Fiscal Renewal and Growth Sarnia’s pursuit of zero debt has come at a cost: neglected infrastructure, depleted reserves, and stalled growth. It hasn’t eliminated debt, it has only deferred a much larger bill. It’s time for a smarter, strategic approach, one that invests responsibly and positions our city for the future: Expanded work to catch up on the long-standing infrastructure deficit Adopt strategic borrowing,

The following is an excerpt from an email I sent in response about the Indwell issue in Sarnia, and a suggestion I might be chasing votes: I want to clarify one point at the outset. More than three weeks ago, I travelled to St. Thomas and London on my own initiative to tour several Indwell sites. Another candidate joined me, and together we spent a full day at the facilities, speaking at length with staff, residents, and neighbourhood residents in St. Thomas. We did not visit

The Key Issues Shaping Sarnia’s 2026 Municipal Election Every municipal election reveals what a community is worried about, hopeful for, and determined to fix. In Sarnia, the conversations happening at doors, in neighbourhoods, and across social media point to a clear set of priorities. These aren’t opinions; they’re the issues people repeatedly raise, the themes that keep resurfacing, and the challenges that shape our city’s future. Here is a straightforward look at the majo

Chris Oram I have been outlining the connection between Sarnia’s infrastructure challenges, our stalled growth, and the long‑term consequences since the very beginning of the campaign. Included in these was my concern about concentrating on residential builds without including efforts to bring in new commercial/industrial enterprises. ( see: www.chrisoramforcouncil.ca/post/sarnia-s-reality-why-growth-promises-keep-failing) Starting on August 15, I began publishing detailed ar

The issues of homelessness, addiction, and their public impacts are front and center as election day approaches. There is no simple answer, and no single solution that will satisfy everyone. These challenges are complex, and cities across Canada are grappling with them. Many explanations have been offered for why these problems have intensified, from the erosion of mental‑health resources once available, to the rise of opioids, to limited opportunity and a shortage of afforda

I received an email asking if I should use other similar sized cities as comparators when addressing the issue of strategic borrowing to help finance often-deferred and much- needed capital projects in Sarnia. Here is the text of my reply: I used London and Strathroy as my main comparators to illustrate the idea of strategic borrowing, as they are along the 402, and their growth is what most Sarnians would see driving on the 402. Using other similarly sized cities is a good

Sarnia Journal Questionnaire: Chris Oram 1. Housing — Sarnia recorded 654 housing starts in 2025 and collected another $400,000 from Ontario’s Building Faster Fund. Lambton’s own plan says the county still needs 1,096 affordable and specialized homes over 10 years, including 412 rent-geared-to-income units. About 1,000 households are on the community-housing wait list. Rents have risen 38 to 42% since 2020, and the county lost a net 190 affordable rentals between 2016 and 2

Introduction: Sarnia’s growth has stalled: We are the slowest‑growing city in the region, with only 0.6% population growth from 2016–2021, limiting assessment increases and tax‑base expansion. Our infrastructure burden is oversized: With $4.6 billion in infrastructure and one of the highest per‑capita replacement values, Sarnia carries more municipal responsibility than comparable cities. Underfunding has created a major deficit: We invest below the required 1.8% of replaceme

I am working to get more of my lawn signs distributed throughout the city. Like most things, there was an initial rush, but I still have some signs left. If you’d like to support my platform, please get in touch through my website (chrisoramforcouncil.ca) or by email at coram@sympatico.ca. I’m particularly hoping to connect with more residents in the south end who can help by putting up a sign. Your support means a great deal, and I’m committed to doing the work required to m

I am not running for mayor, nor am I endorsing any candidate. But as someone seeking a seat on council, I believe it is my responsibility to comment on past actions, policies, and decisions, and to explain plainly what I think needs to change. This may run long, but the foundation matters. Strong Mayor Powers: A Structural Shift Section 284.16(1) of Part V.1 of the Municipal Act came into force in 2022. It states: “In accordance with this section and subject to the regulation

In today’s sociopolitical climate, many issues, perhaps most, quickly become divisive. People choose a position, dig in, and often remain committed to their view regardless of the facts, sometimes even seeing those who disagree as opponents rather than fellow citizens. Supportive housing has become such an issue in Sarnia. In this article, I discuss, in general terms, an economic perspective that people on both sides of this debate may wish to consider. On April 27, 2025,

Platform Highlights: Rebuild capital reserves rather than using them to offset taxes. Examine what other municipalities are doing to stimulate and expand growth - (Grants, Strategic Borrowing, Smarter Financial Planning, Innovative thinking for the Future). Improve infrastructure maintenance, reliability, and expansion to support existing industry, and encourage new investment. Enhance Sarnia's efforts to attract new business/industry. Community consultation to reduce controv

We face real challenges when it comes to attracting new industry to Sarnia . Global trade tensions and shifting tariff landscapes create uncertainty for sectors that rely heavily on cross‑border movement. That means we need to look for opportunities that are less vulnerable to external disruptions and more aligned with Canada’s long‑term national priorities. One of those priorities is Canada’s renewed commitment to strengthening its military readiness and its NATO contributio

Growth, new investment, business attraction, and the renewal of aging infrastructure are priorities every candidate in this election identifies as essential. I agree. These are critical issues Sarnia City Council must confront. But in every election, long‑range promises often overshadow the practical steps required to achieve them. Many candidates describe the destination. Few address the journey. That journey begins with the city’s finances. Sarnia’s approved 2026 budget inc